Blades Honor Kalan, Raise Money to Battle Cancer

The Steele County Blades Junior Hockey Team honored board member Pete Kalan on Friday night and raised money to fight cancer on "Stick it to Cancer" night.

Blades board member Pete Kalan (who is also the long-time rink announcer in Owatonna) is in his own battle with cancer. Kalan and his family performed the ceremonial puck drop for the game between the Blades and first-place Rochester Ice Hawks. Both teams then joined Kalan on the ice for a group photo. The team announced the Character of Steele Award will be re-named in Kalan's honor. The award has been handed out at the end of each season.

 

"The people really showed up to support the cause. I had numerous people come up to me over the weekend to thank us for putting this event on and letting us know that they had a great time. Thank you to all of the Federated employees and the rest of the fans who came out. And a special thanks to Mark Arjes of Youth 1st who did a great job coordinating all of the organizations that were involved.

"I had a chance to visit with Pete and his wife Kelly on Saturday and they were very pleased with how things went as well.

"So, except for the score of the game, I would say it was a pretty successful night!"

 

-Tony Schwichtenberg, Blades board member

A number of fundraising activities were held to benefit the local FROM THE HEART event that raises money for local families and their fight against cancer. Money was raised through silent auction items and T-shirt sales.

The night was also FEDERATED INSURANCE night and the crowd numbered over 1,000 for the game. The Ice Hawks won the contest 7-1. Steele County beat the Minnesota Owls on Sunday 10-0. The Blades play a make-up game at the Owls on Monday, Jan. 26. The home game for Steele County is Friday, Feb. 6 versus the Ice Hawks. Game time is 7 p.m.

The Owatonna High School girls hockey team will hold a SKATE FOR A CURE night Saturday, Jan. 24 during their game against Rochester JM. Silent Auction baskets will be on display throughout the evening. If you would like to donate a basket, please contact Wendy Bogen at (507) 456-4024.